Kazakhstan pledges $500M for Afghanistan railway project
Investment in Torghundi–Herat rail line signals growing trade, transport cooperation between Afghanistan and Central Asia
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has committed to invest $500 million in the construction of the Torghundi–Herat railway segment in western Afghanistan, a significant move aimed at deepening economic cooperation and improving regional connectivity.
The rail line will connect Herat, a major commercial hub near the Iranian border, with Torghundi, a key town along Afghanistan’s northern frontier with Turkmenistan.
The announcement came during talks between Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin.
According to a statement from Baradar’s office, the two leaders discussed a broad range of bilateral initiatives spanning trade, transport, agriculture, mining, banking, and industrial collaboration.
As reported by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the sides also considered easing visa requirements for Afghan traders, restoring direct flights between Kabul and Astana, and boosting overall trade volumes.
Baradar noted that since the return of the Taliban-led government, economic relations with Kazakhstan have steadily improved.
A roadmap signed by the two countries seeks to raise bilateral trade to $3 billion, with targeted growth in sectors including agriculture, mining, and transportation.
To support the expansion, Afghanistan plans to establish a state-backed company to oversee rail-based imports and exports.
Kabul also proposed a multilateral coordination center involving Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan to streamline cooperation across industrial and logistics sectors.
Baradar welcomed Kazakhstan’s interest in Afghanistan’s mining and agricultural sectors and emphasized the need for agreements on quarantine protocols, livestock development, and agricultural preservation.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Astana’s commitment to a stable, independent Afghanistan.
Zhumangarin confirmed that Kazakhstan would begin work on the Torghundi–Herat railway segment and plans to establish a logistics company in Herat to manage operations.
He also indicated Kazakh investors are exploring opportunities in Afghanistan’s mining, oil, gas, and telecom sectors.
A technical team has already arrived in Kabul to assess project feasibility.
In addition to infrastructure investment, Kazakhstan pledged support for Afghan access to affordable internet, improvements in banking ties, and expanded cooperation in education and healthcare.
Baradar expressed appreciation for the commitments, particularly the railway funding, and assured Kazakhstan of the Taliban-led government’s full support in advancing joint development efforts.
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